We can all agree that the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), all 17 of them, are of utter most importance in order for us to create a future that we want to have - A future for ourselves, our kids, the global population and all species on the planet earth! Here are 5 circular goals for us in the western world to give some extra attention.
17 complex problems identified by the UN, luckily with many more solutions and we are in fact making major progress in many areas. But how do you solve 17 different huge and complex problems at the same time you ask? The answer is that you do not.
I have chosen 5 goals (or rather parts of those goals) were I believe that I, with my competence, experience and education can contribute to solving what is said to be the largest challenge in human history. Which goals do you contribute to? I urge you to identify your personal challenge. Together we can make a difference and working towards common goals is both motivating and sound business.
SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
This is goal number 3 and it is one of the first goals for a good reason. Health is also truly in the centre of the circular economy, even if it is sadly sometimes forgotten. For me healthy material flows are the foundation of what I do. Something that is not healthy can never be a good design, neither a good business strategy. In time the unhealthy products will fail, do it right from the start instead. It is too late for mistakes.
Progress of SDG 3 in 2019: ”Concerted efforts are required to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable financing for health… … and determinants of health such as air pollution and inadequate water and sanitation.”
BeCircular contributes to Goal 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination”
SDG 4 - Quality Education
This goal is the primary reason why I am writing this piece of paper. Circular economy is a complex system of solutions. It is beautifully simple at first glance, but difficult to fully grasp once you start looking at the details. The circular economy requires a cross sectional approach and collaboration with partners. This is why I believe in making use of my global, multi-cultural network of experts in different fields to ensure a high quality and contribute to an increased knowledge by learning from each other.
BeCircular contributes to Goal 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”
SGD 6 - Clean water and sanitation
This goal is strongly connected to goal number three. One of my focus areas are pollutions and waste streams that risks to end up in our rivers, oceans or drinking water. Littering, micro plastics and toxins are threatening our ecosystems, the biodiversity and our own health. BeCircular can help you reduce your pollutions while improving resource efficiency and eliminating waste.
Progress of SDG 6 in 2021: "Over the past century, global water use has increased at more than twice the rate of population growth. In addition to water stress, countries and territories are facing growing challenges linked to water pollution, degraded water-related ecosystems, water scarcity caused by climate change, and a lack of cooperation on transboundary waters. The world is not on track to achieve Goal 6."
BeCircular contributes to Goal 6.3: ”By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally”
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities
By designing products with its end of life in mind waste can be eliminated, heavily reduced or at minimum properly managed.
Progress of SDG 11 in 2019: “Urgent action is needed to reverse the current situation, which sees the vast majority of urban residents breathing poor-quality air… [and] with increasing urban populations and the existence of consumer-oriented economies amid rising income levels and rapid urbanization, it is estimated that the total waste generated in the world will double from nearly 2 billion tons in 2016 to about 4 billion tons by 2050.”
BeCircular contributes contribute to Goal 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management”
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production
The progress on this goal is seriously alarming. We have lost many battles towards overconsumption, but that does not mean that we will lose the war.
Progress of SDG 12 in 2019: “Worldwide material consumption has expanded rapidly, as has material footprint per capita, seriously jeopardizing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12”
BeCircular contributes to Goal 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
BeCircular contributes contribute to Goal 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
Written by Oskar Örling Founder BeCircular
Source: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
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